Dunedin City Commission Regular Meeting – July 23, 2026
Dunedin City Commission Regular Meeting – July 23, 2026
The Dunedin City Commission met on July 23, 2026, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included a Purple Heart proclamation, approval of consent items, and a major discussion and first reading of Ordinance 26-08 prohibiting motorized watercraft launches from the Dunedin Causeway Beach. Other actions included a historic preservation ordinance, setting the maximum millage rate, awarding two wastewater treatment plant contracts, and tabling a parking garage reimbursement resolution. Vice Mayor Walker was excused due to technical difficulties with his Zoom connection.
Consent Calendar
- Approved minutes from the June 18, 2026 regular meeting.
- Reappointed Christian Oshea to the Dunedin Causeway and Coastal Waterways Committee (term ending 6/1/2029).
- Approved Addendum No. 1 with Tetra Tech, Inc. for construction phase services for the WWTP Emergency Generator Building Rehabilitation Project ($54,964).
- Authorized execution of a Duke Energy Utility Easement for two 2,500 kVa transformers at the WWTP.
- Awarded Bid #26-2615 for the WWTP Breakroom Renovation to Pannonia Development, LLC ($169,850) after a brief pull for discussion; staff explained cost drivers (electrical upgrade, range hood).
- Authorized execution of a Duke Energy Utility Easement for electrical service at Grand Oak Park.
- Approved Addendum #2 with Ardurra Group, Inc. for additional inspection services for the Marina Bulkhead Repair Project ($34,448; total contract $83,726).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Citizen Input (non-agenda): One speaker, David Ballard Geddis Jr. (Palm Harbor), presented concerns about water district jurisdiction and property tax liens.
- Ordinance 26-08 (Causeway Motorized Watercraft Ban): Over 30 speakers addressed the commission. Positions were split:
- Supporting the ban: Representatives from the Dunedin Causeway and Coastal Waterways Committee, Dunedin Boat Club paddling group, Suncoast Sierra Club, Clearwater Audubon Society, and many Dunedin residents cited environmental harm (seagrass damage, wildlife disturbance), public safety conflicts (80 jet ski-related incidents per Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office data from Jan 2022 to Apr 2026), noise, trash, and congestion. Several noted seagrass recovery since the 2024 hurricanes.
- Opposing the ban: Jet ski owners, small boat users, and some residents argued that the launch area is small (approx. 1,000 feet), that the causeway is man-made, that the ban targets one user group, and that education and enforcement (e.g., fees, permits, trash cans) are better solutions. They highlighted the lack of alternative public launch sites and the economic value of water access. Some out-of-town speakers (from Tampa, New Port Richey, Odessa, etc.) expressed that the causeway is a regional draw.
- Other items (historic preservation, millage rate, wastewater bids): No public comments were offered.
Discussion Items
- Ordinance 26-08 – Prohibiting Motorized Watercraft Launches from Dunedin Causeway Beach: Staff presented a history of the causeway, current ordinance (allowing motorized launches on a portion of the south side), environmental impacts (prop scarring, turbidity, erosion), and support from Pinellas County and environmental groups. Safety data from the sheriff’s office showed 80 jet ski-related calls. Commissioners discussed alternative revenue models (ramp fees, permits) but concluded these would require extensive planning and cost recovery challenges. After public comment, each commissioner stated their position: Commissioner Sandberg noted 125 emails from residents opposing the ban, Commissioner Gow cited safety and congestion, Commissioner Dukart emphasized resident input, and Mayor Freaney cited safety and quality of life. The first reading passed 4-0, with second reading scheduled for September 3, 2026.
- Ordinance 25-02 – Historic Preservation Code Amendments: Staff (Francis Leong-Sharp and Blair Knighting) summarized changes, including removing the provision for historic districts (per state and National Park Service comments), clarifying landmark vs. landmark site designations, and simplifying the certificate of appropriateness process. The ordinance had been through multiple workshops and advisory committee approvals. Commissioners expressed support, noting it is now a voluntary program. Approved 4-0; second reading August 6, 2026.
- Resolution 26-08 – Parking Garage Reimbursement Resolution: Commissioner Sandberg moved to table the resolution until after the November election, citing timing sensitivity. Staff confirmed no impact as long as the resolution is approved before construction begins. Unanimously tabled.
- Resolution 26-11 – Maximum Millage Rate for FY 2027: Staff recommended a rate of 4.1345 mills (no change from prior year, the 13th consecutive year at this rate). The rate would produce a reduction of approximately $776,000 in revenue due to a 2.72% rollback. Taxable value is $4.9 billion. Commissioners discussed growth (4.53% this year, lower than recent averages). Adopted 4-0.
- Bid #26-2613 – WWTP RAS/WAS/Filter Feed Pumps Replacement: Staff recommended awarding to TLC Diversified, Inc. ($1,955,810), the lowest of eight bidders. The pumps are critical for wastewater treatment and were phased out by the manufacturer. Approved 4-0.
- Bid #26-2614 – WWTP Emergency Generator Building Rehabilitation: Staff recommended awarding to Mali Contracting Group ($1,082,203.10), noting it is the lowest responsive bid. Commissioner Gow raised concerns about Mali’s performance on the Grand Oak Park project, but staff confirmed the contract is bonded, includes liquidated damages, and that Mali has other subs for this project. The project will start after hurricane season. Approved 4-0.
- Proposed Agenda for August 6, 2026 Commission Meeting: Staff added a new action item (letter of agreement for Main Street Exchange parking garage). Commissioner Sandberg noted he would be absent. Agenda approved 4-0.
- Proposed Agenda for August 4, 2026 Budget Workshop: Informational; staff added items on health fund update, civic partners/agency aid, and contingency plan. No vote required.
- Commission Comments: Commissioners reported on a successful trip to Toronto with the Toronto Blue Jays (countywide economic impact $200 million per 2025 study) and outreach on the property tax reform ballot measure.
Key Outcomes
- Ordinance 26-08 (Causeway Motorized Watercraft Ban): First reading passed 4-0; second reading scheduled for September 3, 2026.
- Ordinance 25-02 (Historic Preservation): First reading passed 4-0; second reading scheduled for August 6, 2026.
- Resolution 26-08 (Parking Garage Reimbursement): Tabled unanimously until after the November 2026 election.
- Resolution 26-11 (Max Millage Rate): Adopted 4-0 at 4.1345 mills.
- Bid #26-2613 (WWTP Pumps): Awarded to TLC Diversified, Inc., $1,955,810 (4-0).
- Bid #26-2614 (WWTP Generator Building): Awarded to Mali Contracting Group, $1,082,203.10 (4-0).
- August 6, 2026 Agenda: Approved 4-0 with an additional action item.
- Vice Mayor Walker: Excused absence approved unanimously.
Meeting Transcript
23rd, 2026 City Commission meeting, I want to call this meeting to order. It's good to have everybody out on this beautiful night. So we are going to start with an invocation and pledge of allegiance by our City Attorney Jackie. Thank you. Let us begin this meeting by taking a brief moment of silence and reflection. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the United States. And to the Republic for which it says one nation. Okay, we have one presentation tonight, and it will be the uh Purple Heart Recognition Day 2026 proclamation. And I'm actually going to do that one myself. Umil Order of the Purple Heart, Reverend Uh Swick and all of you come on out. If you would, and I'll read the proclamation. Whereas August 7, 2026 marks the 244th anniversary of the inception of the Purple Heart Award and the 94th anniversary of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and whereas August 7th has been officially designated as National Purple Heart Recognition Day in honor of those American veterans who have earned the military tribute by virtue of their bravery and their sacrifice. And whereas the Purple Heart is specifically awarded to any member of the United States Armed Forces that has been wounded or killed in combat with a declared enemy of the United States. Now therefore, I am Maureen Mofrany, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Dunedin, Florida, and on behalf of the entire City Commission, do proudly proclaim Friday, August 7, 2026, as Purple Heart Recognition Day in Dunedin, and ask everyone to pause and remember those extraordinary men and women and their families who made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedom and those who are willing to make that ultimate sacrifice and to pray for the safety of all those defending our nation today. Father Swook, you want to come up in the United States. Thank you, Madam Mayor, Councilman. I really appreciate the fact that I can be here again. I'm originally from this chapter, and I am the newly elected State Commander for Purple Heart. Um so I just want to remind you guys every time I I talk about you guys. Number one, Dunedin, the first Purple Heart city in the state of Florida. So I always pump that out there to them. And uh in the fact at the national level, you guys uh we are the between the second and third most popular state of Purple Heart veterans. So at the national level, the state of Florida carries a lot of weight. So we are able to get up there and get a lot of votes in it and kind of gear our our national charter to where we want it to, and Florida's leading the way. So thank you very much. Uh invite everybody here. Uh August 7th, Purple Heart Day. I will be your guest speaker, so come on out. We hope to see you there. Good evening. My name is Scott Daniels. I'm on the committee for 18 years, so I can tell you that for 18 years, City of Dunedin has been a leader as it is with many other things in the sense of recognition of what's good and well and important in our city, our state, and our country. I'm on the committee because I asked to volunteer to help somehow because my father received a Purple Heart when he was in World War II. And I'm the oldest of four children, and I get to keep my father's purple heart. I also get to introduce our guest speaker each year. I'll be introducing Richard on August 7th at 10 o'clock in the morning downtown by the Purple Heart Memorial Area. But I want to thank you, City Council, staff of the City of Dunedin, Parks and Rec, who really made it very nice for our Purple Heart veterans, all our veterans, all of our citizens in Dunedin to be able to celebrate people who care about our country, care about freedom, and care about recognizing when good deeds are done. Thank you. Thank you very much. And let us pray. Oh, I'm sorry. You know, we are the first Purple Heart city here in the State of Florida. And we're very proud of that. This community is one of the most patriotic communities I've ever run across in my uh many years. Um I came from one up north, and I thought that was a proudest the most patriotic place I've ever been until I came to Dunedin. Uh we have a spirit here of patriotism that uh we should emulate across our country. Um I thank you, Mayor uh Mo and all your commissioners for all that you do in your leadership to promote that patriotism. Uh we need it in our country today. And the city of uh Clearwater, uh City of Clearwater, this isn't me.
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